Effect of Face Masking on Transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Adv Exp Med Biol
; 1458: 175-199, 2024.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39102197
ABSTRACT
The efficacy of face masking for the public is not convincing to prevent the transmission of respiratory tract viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 when the criteria of evidence-based medicine are applied. This finding is mainly explained by the results from randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) when a high prevalence of the infection and a high compliance in mask wearing was assured. Throughout these studies no significant protective effect was observed. Observational studies with surgical masks describe a significant protective effect, but are prone to confounders such as physical distance. Respirators do not provide an additional health benefit compared to surgical or medical masks (RCTs). Community masks can even increase the risk of infection (RCTs). Based on the categories of evidence-based medicine, the efficacy results can best be categorized as conflicting evidence. Many relevant adverse events are described when masks are worn for hours such as dyspnea (12.2-52.8%), headache (3.9-73.4%), pruritus (0.0-60.0%), and skin reactions (0.0-85.0%). Their frequency is often higher with respirators. In future pandemics, masks should only be recommended or mandated for settings in which a clinically relevant health benefit can be expected, defined as the prevention of severe, critical or fatal disease, that clearly outweighs the expectable associated adverse reactions.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
/
Máscaras
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Adv Exp Med Biol
/
Adv. exp. med. biol
/
Advances in experimental medicine and biology
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Alemania
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos